Rising temperatures, rising sea levels, acidification of the oceans, increase in natural disasters… More than ever, our planet is in a state of climate emergency . The consequences of global warming are dramatic. Some of them are even irreversible! F ighting global warming is one of the major challenges of our century.
Today, even if the major decisions are taken at the level of the public authorities, it is possible to act individually. Everyone has the power to get involved on a daily basis and to act on their own scale through concrete actions . But, it is not always easy to know where to start to reduce your carbon impact. What are the solutions to combat climate change?
So find out5 individual actionsto adopt in order to combat climate change.
Favor local products and eat less meat to fight against global warming
The impact of our food consumption on global warming is not negligible.Indeed, globally, thefood supply chain generates 13.7 billion tonnes of CO2.This is the equivalent of all the greenhouse gas emissions of China and the United States combined!
It is therefore important to favor the purchase of local products and to consume seasonal fruits and vegetables. Indeed, if we take the example of the production of strawberries. In winter, it requires overheated greenhouses, and 25 times more oil for transport. By buying locally, youavoid the emission of 50 kg of CO 2 per year. Consuming local also has another benefit. In this way, you support the producers in your region.
Meat production is very polluting. It accentuates the greenhouse effect. According to the UN, the livestock sector accounts for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions . You can replace the meat with vegetable proteins for example.
LIFE ONG is one of those organizations fighting against global warming. Indeed, during the food distributions carried out by LIFE, food is purchased locally, in the country of distribution.
Reduce, reuse and recycle: the 3R rule
Buying a new garment is attractive, but it pollutes. En avoiding the consumption of new equipment, you reduce production at the source but also the energy needs. Areduction in the use of raw materials synonymous withless wasteresources andless pollutionby factories. The making of ajeanneedbetween 7000 and10,000 liters of water, or about 285 showers. Its carbon impact is evaluated, on average, at nearly 25 kg of CO2.
In France, thanks to waste recycling , the equivalent of 5% of annual national CO2 emissions are avoided! Pollution ocean plastic is one of the major contributors to global warming. Each year, between 9 and 12 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, according to the UN. Between 2000 and 2019, global plastic production doubled, from 234 to 460 million tonnes according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This material is made primarily from petroleum, which causes a colossal amount of greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce your carbon footprint and fight against global warming, there are many alternatives to plastic. For example, you can opt for reusable bags.
Reduce your electricity consumption
Another effective way to lighten your carbon footprint is to limit energy waste as much as possible. With climate change, the use of air conditioning and heating systems will triple by 2050.
ISn France, theheatingaccounts for 62% of household energy consumption according to EDF. The right thing to do is to adjust the temperature of your home, ideally around19°C. A happy medium between comfort and consumption.A heating mode that limits the carbon footprint goes hand in hand with agood insulation.It is important to ensure that its housing is well insulated, to avoid any loss.
The choice of devices is also important. Prefer those with low energy consumption . Designed to consume less energy than standard appliances, they are also more profitable in the long term. You can use, for example, LED lamps.
Prioritize less polluting transport for the climate
Our modes of transport have an impact on global warming. It is therefore a question of adopting modes of travel that are more respectful of the environment. When possible, it is better to use public transport rather than the car. Taking the metro means consuming on average 5 times less energy , and emitting between 2 and 50 times less greenhouse gas than with your car. Public transport journeys also have the advantage of sometimes being faster! No more long minutes or hours of waiting in traffic jams.
You have no choice but to get around on four wheels? Then think aboutcarpooling
Traveling responsibly and fighting global warming also means preferringthe trainto the plane for long distances. For a similar journey, aairplane generally consumes 6 times more energythan the train, and emits on average30 times more C02.
Fight against digital pollution
Reduce waste to fight against digital pollution ? Yes, we explain why! Yet little known, it represents up to 2.5% of CO2 emissions in France, according to the Agency for the Environment and Energy Management (ADEME). This is the equivalent of the circulation of 13 million cars! Digital pollution refers to the pollution caused by new technologies and the impact of digital as a whole. If it is not visible, it is very real.
The carbon footprint of the manufacture of our IT equipment represents more than 50% of total digital emissions. It is therefore a question of doing the maximum to extend the life of the equipment . So, rather than throwing your old phone in the trash, opt for a repair .
Also thinkatunplug and turn off devicesafter their use,atDELETEuseless old emails, Todecrease streaming usage … Dhe small daily gestures that fight against global warming.
